19 Must See Attractions in Krakow

Krakow Places To See Poland
Robbie Vai Author: Robbie Vai
Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Dec 28, 2024

Krakow is Poland’s second-largest city (after Warsaw) and is a touristic highlight of central Europe. From grand squares and medieval structures to poignant memorials from modern history, Krakow is a must-see city for history lovers.

If modern culture, vibrant nightlife, and green spaces are more your vibe, don’t worry: you’ll find all that and plenty more here, too.

If you’re planning a European adventure, join us as we discover 19 Krakow attractions that you won’t want to miss during your time in this enchanting city.

1. Stare Miasto (Old Town)

Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald

Stare Miasto, or Old Town in English, is Krakow’s top sightseeing area and is a great place to start getting acquainted with the city. There are several walking tours operating in the area, but a great way of exploring is to simply wander the cobbled streets.

Start at St Florian’s Church, then go via the Barbican and through St. Florian’s Gate to Florianska Street for the ultimate self-guided tour. On your stroll, you’ll admire grand squares and eclectic architecture, browse specialty shops and art galleries, and stop off to refuel with coffee and pierogis.

2. Rynek Główny (Main Square)

The Main Market Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best medieval squares. Imposing landmarks, including St. Mary’s Basilica and the Old Town Hall Tower, sit alongside colorful houses and create a charming environment that you’ll love exploring.

3. St. Florian’s Gate

St. Florian’s Gate was constructed in the early 12th century as the royal entrance to the city of Krakow. Much of the ancient city walls and gates have been destroyed over the centuries, but this section remains incredibly well preserved.

Tip: Come early to avoid the huge crowds that gather here later in the day.

4. Wawel Royal Castle

Photo Credit: Nahlik

  • Website: https://wawel.krakow.pl/
  • Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków
  • Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday / 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Monday

Next, head up Wawel Hill to visit the impressive Wawel Royal Castle. Originally built in a Gothic style and later renovated in a Renaissance style, this castle was the seat of Polish kings from the 13th century all the way through to the 17th century.

Wawel Royal Castle now serves as the National Museum and is where you can explore royal chambers, jewels, and weapons from Polish history.

5. Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama)

  • Website: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/good-news
  • Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków
  • Opening hours: April to November: 9.30 am – 4.00 pm Mondays / 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday

The Dragon’s Den cave sits beneath Wawel Castle and dates back more than 25 million years. It was originally discovered in the 16th century and historically has been used as a residence, storehouse, and brothel.

Nowadays, the Dragon’s Den is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can climb down 135 steps to access 80 meters of the historic cave. Don’t miss the bronze, fire-breathing dragon statue back above ground.

6. Wawel Cathedral

Once you’ve finished exploring the castle, head to Wawel Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. The coronations of several Polish monarchs have been held here, and many national heroes have been buried in the cathedral’s grounds.

An admission ticket will give you access to the cathedral, the royal tombs, and the fascinating on-site museum.

7. St Mary’s Basilica

Photo Credit: Bill Perry

  • Website: https://mariacki.com/en/
  • Address: Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków
  • Opening hours: 11.30 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Friday / 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Saturday & Sunday

This striking Gothic structure cuts an imposing figure over the Main Square, and the only thing more impressive than its external architecture is the beauty you’ll discover during a visit inside.

The intricate stained glass windows are spectacular, and the Gothic altarpiece is breathtaking. It’s the largest of its kind in the world with sculptures measuring up to 2.7 meters high.

8. Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall has existed since the 13th century and it’s been in its current Renaissance form since the 16th century. Krakow was at the heart of Europe’s medieval commercial network for centuries, and goods were traded here for around 800 years. The structure operates as a market to this day and is where you can pick up handmade jewelry and crafts.

The Sukiennice Museum is also located here and is home to many 19th-century pieces of Polish art, among other works.

9. Planty Park

Planty Park is a sprawling green space and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park traces the lines of the medieval fortification and is made up of eight separate gardens.

The northern section is most popular with tourists as it’s also home to preserved sections of the city walls, but you’ll love relaxing in any part of this pretty park.

10. Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp

  • Website: www.auschwitz.org/en/
  • Address: Więźniów OÅ›wiÄ™cimia 55, 32-600 OÅ›wiÄ™cim
  • Opening hours: 7.30 am – 2.00 pm December / 7.30 am – 3.00 pm January, November / 7.30 am – 4.00 pm February / 7.30 am – 5.00 pm March, October / 7.30 am – 6.00 pm April, May, September / 7.30 am – 7.00 pm June, July, August

This state museum and memorial is the site of the Nazi German concentration and extermination camp, where an estimated 1.1 million Jewish people lost their lives during World War II.

Located around 40 miles from Krakow, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a difficult but important day trip for visitors hoping to better understand the atrocities committed against Jews during the holocaust. Guided tours are available in English and can be arranged on arrival.

11. Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

Photo Credit: photostar72

Kazimierz was Krakow’s thriving Jewish quarter before its residents were forcibly removed during the Nazi occupation. Today, the area is a popular tourist destination with a vibrant bar and restaurant scene.

The 15th-century Old Synagogue is the oldest standing synagogue in Krakow and is a must-see spot in the Jewish quarter.

12. Ghetto Heroes Square

The Podgórze district is just over the Vistula River from the Jewish quarter and is where thousands of Jews were forcibly relocated to during Nazi occupation. Plac Zgody, the area’s main square, was the site of countless atrocities and is now home to a poignant memorial for the many lives that were lost here.

The installation is made up of 70 chairs which symbolize the many deportations and the empty seats that were left behind.

13. Schindler’s Factory

Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and member of the Nazi party who was responsible for saving the lives of more than 1,000 Jewish employees of his enamel factory.

Visiting the factory today will give you a glimpse of original artifacts, including Schindler’s desk and his famous ‘list’ that gave Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film its name.

14. Rynek Underground Museum

Photo Credit: Tupungato

Head below Krakow’s main market square to discover what life was like for residents 700 years ago. This archaeological site spans 6,000 square meters and is brought to life with holograms and digital exhibitions.

15. Wieliczka Salt Mines

  • Website: www.kopalnia.pl
  • Address: DaniÅ‚owicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka
  • Opening hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm daily

For another exciting underground attraction, check out Wieliczka Salt Mines. As the oldest European salt mine, this historic site provides an alternative glimpse into Poland’s storied past.

Some of the mine is still in use but other sections are open for tourists to explore on a guided tour.

A visit will take you 300 meters below the earth’s surface, where you’ll see saline lakes plus statues and chapels made entirely out of salt.

16. Kościuszko Mound

Photo Credit: Nahlik

  • Website: www.kopieckosciuszki.pl
  • Address: al. Waszyngtona 1, 30-204 Kraków
  • Opening hours: 9.00 am – 3.30 pm daily

Tadeusz Kościuszko is regarded as a national hero in Poland due to his resistance efforts when Prussia and Russia set about dividing up the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century.

Today, a fascinating museum has been added to the mound, and the panoramic views of Krakow Old Town are well worth the visit alone.

17. Zakopane & the Tatra Mountains

Website: www.zakopane.pl/en/tourist-area/tourism/tatra-mountains

For an escape to nature, the Tatra Mountains are a top pick. These mountains are popular for skiing in the winter and hiking during summer, so you’ll never be short of things to do here.

If you prefer your vacations at a slower pace, simply relax and soak in the rustic charm and mountain views of the city of Zakopane.

18. Nowa Huta

Nowa Huta was created as an ‘ideal communist city’ and is an interesting place to spend a few hours exploring.

Although unfinished, the neighborhood is made up of large apartment blocks that are synonymous with Soviet socialist realist architecture. Start your self-guided tour at Plac Centralny, which is the main square of the district, before heading to the Nowa Huta Museum, where you can learn about the origins of this unique area.

19. Stained Glass Workshop & Museum

Photo Credit: Elzbieta Krzysztof

  • Website: https://muzeumwitrazu.pl/en/
  • Address: Aleja Zygmunta KrasiÅ„skiego 23, 31-111 Kraków
  • Opening hours: 11.30 am – 1.30 pm & 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm Tuesday to Friday / 10.00 am – 5.00 pm Saturday

Discover how skilled craftsmen create intricate stained glass designs when you visit this workshop and museum. The workshop has been producing stained glass since the beginning of the 20th century, and you can see the work of the workshop’s talented artists in more than 200 windows throughout Krakow.

Guided tours are available in English, where you can see pieces being created.

Discover Krakow’s Many Unique Attractions

Historic Krakow is undoubtedly one of central Europe’s most exciting cities to visit, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the abundance of attractions on offer here. What will you see and do first?

Robbie Vai
Author: Robbie Vai
Our journal features a diverse group of travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the world and sharing their experiences. From solo adventurers to family vacationers, our team of writers offers unique perspectives and insightful tips to help inspire and guide your next adventure. Whether it's discovering hidden gems off the beaten path or indulging in luxurious getaways, we're here to help you make the most of your travels. Robbie is an amalgam of these writers.
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